NORTHERN LIGHTS, ORCAS, Reindeer, huskies & CULTURAL TOUR

~ November 11 – 21, 2020 ~

WOW! A unique opportunity to see the amazing Northern Lights

in one of the world’s TOP viewing spots! Plus get up close & personal

with Orcas, visit a reindeer farm, go dog-sledding with huskies, interact with

the indigenous Sami people, cruise on beautiful Norwegian fjords & more!

Accommodated, catered & personally escorted by Jeremy & Jan

What an Amazing Arctic Adventure! Join Jeremy & Jan on one of their most incredible adventures yet! We’ll cruise the scenic fjords of Norway on the MS Stromstad & if we get sufficient numbers, will have the ship all to ourselves for gypsy clients only! While on board, we’ll admire the Arctic wildlife accompanied by marine experts, go in search of Orcas – we MAY even be able to swim with these magnificent creatures! - & venture out in Zodiacs. At night we’ll look heavenward hoping to see the breathtaking Northern Lights (aurora borealis)! Back on dry land, we’ll spend four days based in the remote & quaint fishing town of Tromsø, voted by National Geographic as one of the world’s top seven viewing spots for the Northern Lights! There we’ll go dog-sledding with huskies (weather permitting), visit a reindeer farm, take a cable car ride & enjoy a cultural day with the indigenous Sami people. We’ll stay in quality accommodation with most meals provided & have time to explore the town & surrounds.

About Norway Norway is home to a vast number of natural wonders, has stunning cities, friendly people & a fascinating Viking history. Known for its natural beauty, fjords, mountains, Midnight Sun and, of course, the Northern Lights, Norway is ranked as one of the world’s happiest countries. We are so very excited about this unique tour & really hope you will be joining us!

What to Bring Pack comfortable, casual & VERY WARM clothes (beanies, thermals, fleece-lined boots etc – you can hire these items in Tromsø if you wish) plus one ‘smart’ outfit for special occasions. Binoculars & cameras mandatory! Dry suits for swimming with the Orcas will be supplied on the boat. We’ll host a Pre-Departure Workshop for WA-based participants & issue a Pre-Departure Kit containing a detailed list of what to bring. Soft bags with wheels are preferable weighing 25 kgs or less – please bring only what you can carry yourself – along with a day/overnight pack.

Visas, Inoculations, Health & Insurance Participants should be in a good state of health & fitness & be able to climb steps & short ladders. Please have a current passport valid for at least six months containing several blank pages. Citizens of Australia & New Zealand travelling on Australian or NZ passports do NOT need a visitor’s visa for stays in Norway of up to 90 days. Check with your doctor as to which inoculations you may need & bring motion sickness medication/preventatives in case of rough seas. Comprehensive travel insurance is compulsory.

Tour Organisers The tour is being operated by Majestic Whale Encounters of Sydney, NSW, with Global Gypsies providing administrative & marketing support & two Australian tour escorts.

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Group Size Maximum group size is 14 passengers plus two Aussie tour escorts, a marine wildlife expert & the boat crew (all of whom are qualified first-aiders).

About Our Ship – ‘MS Stromstad’ Built in 1955, M/S Strønstad is a ferry, passenger & whaling expedition ship typical of the local area. She was built at P. Høyvolds shipyard in southern Norway and refitted in 1993.

Today she is fitted out as a comfort-able,functional & popular expedition vessel equipped with such creature comforts as central heating, washing machine, showers & flush toilets (sorry, no en-suites), hot spa & communal lounge & dining areas. Attractive internal wooden detailing gives the ship a warm & welcoming atmosphere. All passenger ac-commodation is in the front (bow) of the vessel in upper & lower berths. Please note that because of the configuration of the ship, there are FOUR double bunk cabins & TWO four-bunk cabins avail-able for our group.

This means that sharing will be required by some Gypsies on a 4 males/4 females per cabin basis. The four double bunk cabins incur an additional cost of $750 per cabin & will be allocated on a first-come, first- served basis.

Specifications of ‘MS Stromstad’

Cabins 5x1 beds (crew) 4x2 beds, 2x4 beds

Length 29,2 m

Breadth 6,80 m

Depth 3,23 m

Tonnage 317 GT

Electrical system 220v

Speed 9 knots per hour

Engine 375 hp

Showers 3 shared

WC 4 shared

About Tromsø Situated on Norway's far northern coastline in the Arctic Circle, Tromsø has long been a departure point for Arctic-bound explorers & hunters. Today, some of its biggest attractions are the ultra-modern Arctic Cathedral which dominates the skyline, the Polar Museum & the Polar Aquarium. Tromsø lies approximately 2200 km south of the North Pole, about 350 km north of the northern Arctic Circle & 1800 km north of Oslo, the capital of Norway. Most of Tromsø is situated on the small island of Tromsøya, which in English is often adapted to "Tromsø Island".

The town is considered to be the cultural hub of the region & is famous as a recommended viewing point for aurora borealis. It has a population of almost 65,000 & contains the highest number of old wooden houses in Northern Norway dating back to 1789.

Getting There

A number of airlines fly to/from Tromsø on a regular basis. A popular route from Australia/New Zealand is via Dubai & Oslo with a morning flight to Tromsø (air fares are additional). When booking your flights, build in some extra time in case of cancellation due to snow. Also consider visiting other Scandinavian and/or European destinations pre/post-tour. Jan & Jeremy will be arriving in Tromsø a day early on November 10. If you would like to do this, too, please let us know in advance & we will book a room for you at our group hotel (additional cost of AUD$380 per room

per night for twin/double room with breakfast).

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PROPOSED ITINERARY

Day 1: Wednesday, November 11:

Clients arrive Tromsø independently before 3:00 p.m. (or arrive a day early if desired & stay an extra night at our group hotel). You will be met at the airport on arrival & transferred to our group hotel. There will be an important briefing by your Aussie tour escorts & a member of our ship’s crew at 5:00 p.m. in the hotel bar followed by a Welcome Dinner at 6:30 p.m. in the hotel. Overnight at Raddison Blu Hotel, Tromsø (D) https://www.radissonblu.com/en/hotel-tromso?facilitatorId=CSOSEO&csref=org_gmb_sk_en_sn_ho_TOSZH

N.B. Those arriving a day early on November 10 may wish to visit the Polar Museum, Polar Aquarium or Arctic Cathedral independently. Cost of additional night’s accommodation at group hotel is AUD$380 per room per night for twin/double room with breakfast.

Day 2: Thursday, November 12

After breakfast, we check out, leave our luggage in the hotel, then join Jeremy & Jan for a cable

car ride (weather permitting) to the top of Storsteinen Mountain overlooking Tromsø from 420m above sea level. Lunch and/or snacks at own expense. (We will keep one room at the hotel to store our luggage & to enable everyone to ‘freshen up’ if desired). We return to the hotel by 2:00 p.m., collect our luggage & prepare to board MS Stromstad, our home for the next week. At 5:00 p.m. we board, check into our cabins, meet our crew & enjoy a full briefing followed by dinner. (B, D) Day 3: Friday November 13: Aboard MS Stromstad – search for Northern Lights, Orcas & other marine life, participate in

Zodiac activities & more! (B, L, D) Day 4: Saturday, November 14: Aboard MS Stromstad (B, L, D)

Day 5: Sunday, November 15: Aboard MS Stromstad (B, L, D)

Day 6: Monday, November 16: Aboard MS Stromstad (B, L, D) Day 7: Tuesday, November 17: Aboard MS Stromstad (B, L, D)

Day 8: Wednesday Nov. 18: We disembark MS Stromstad after breakfast at 10:00 a.m. & are transferred to our hotel.

Remainder of day free to rest, relax, shop or explore independently. Lunch & (early) dinner at own expense (Art Café is recommended for lunch & Rorbua Pub for dinner). Tonight, we visit a Sami base station to look for the Northern Lights (weather permitting). Overnight at Raddison Blu Hotel, Tromsø (B)

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Day 9: Thursday, November 19 This morning (weather permitting) we go dog-sledding with huskies! (The adventure includes a snack & hot drink). We return to the hotel in the early afternoon & enjoy some free time (lunch at own expense). Tonight we visit a working reindeer farm & enjoy a very special “Reindeer Evening”! We’ll learn how important these animals are to the Sami way of life & enjoy a

traditional dinner. (The answer is ‘yes’ but there will also be vegetarian options!). Overnight at Radisson Blu Hotel, Tromsø (B, D) Day 10: Friday, November 20)

Our last day in Tromsø. We will spend the day on an immersive cultural experience with the indigenous Sami people learning about their Arctic lifestyle, culture & food. Our coach meets us at the hotel after breakfast & takes to the serene and wild Nakka Valley - a largely untouched Arctic paradise in a hidden fjord, about an hour’s drive from Tromsø. Here we will experience authentic North Norwegian hospitality & spectacular scenery, visit the site of a former Sami camp, learn about Sami history & take a gentle guided walk surrounded by mountains. Overlooking the fjord & the Lyngen Alps, we’ll be treated to a traditional Sami lunch as our hosts demonstrate lasso-throwing & other skills. We’ll return to Tromsø at approximately 3:00 p.m. Special Farewell Dinner in the hotel tonight. Overnight at Radisson Blu Hotel, Tromsø (B, L, D) Day 11: Saturday November 21 We are transferred to the airport for departure. End of tour. (B)

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MEET YOUR TOUR ESCORTS

Jeremy Perks & Jan Barrie - Global Gypsies Tours Jan & Jeremy will be your Australian tour escorts. Established in 1997, Global Gypsies coordinates & leads a range of self-drive eco-adventures in outback Australia & escorted tours to numerous exotic & remote overseas destinations. Jan & Jeremy have won awards for their tours & training courses in 4WD’ing, towing & tour guiding; the couple have also published a book entitled How to Be an Award-Winning Tour Guide.

Born in South Africa, Jeremy is a professional Tour Guide & former Tour Guide of the Year. He is a qualified mechanic & an experienced 4x4 driver. He holds a certificate in remote area first aid & a Certificate IV in Training & Assessment. Prior to establishing Global Gypsies, Jeremy was Managing Director of a major advertising agency in Johannesburg & the manager of a safari camp in Kenya’s Rift Valley. He immigrated to Australia in 1996. Jan is a former journalist, travel writer & communications manager & is responsible for the administration, marketing & customer relations aspects of Global Gypsies. Born in England, she has lived & worked in Africa, America & the UK & travelled extensively but has called Australia home for most of her life.

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PRICE: AUD$9890 per person (twin/share) Single supplement: No solo accommodation is available on the ship – all

passenger cabins contain either two or four beds/bunks. Two-berth cabins are available but are limited in number. They can be requested for an additional $750 per couple & will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis until fully occupied.

NOTES: Air fares to/from Tromsø are additional.

There are only a limited number of ‘double’ cabins on-board MS Stromstad. If these are filled you will share a four-bunk cabin with three other Gypsies (4 males/4 females per cabin in upper/lower berths)

There are no en-suite bathrooms on-board MS Stromstad - all toilets & showers are shared facilities.

Price is based on two persons sharing a twin room in hotels (twin beds) with en-suite bathroom.

Additional nights in the hotel will incur a charge of AUD$380 per room per night.

Single rooms in the hotel MAY be available for solo travelers by special request but may incur an additional fee.

A tip kitty contribution of AUD$250 per person will be due at the Pre-Departure Workshop which will be held in Perth in/about August 2020. Your tour escorts will distribute tips to service providers en-route as they deem appropriate.

In order to reserve our boat, a non-refundable deposit of AUD$1500 per person will be required by June 25, 2018, followed by a second non-refundable payment of AUD$2500 due on November 30, 2019. Final payment of AUD$5890 will be due on April 30, 2020.

Client cancellations made after November 30, 2019 & before August 31, 2020 will incur a charge of 75% of the total cost of the tour (unless you can find someone else to take your place on the boat in which case we will refund your final payment of $5890. If you are unable to find a replacement & MWE/GG need to find someone to take your place & are successful in doing so, we will refund your final payment of $5890 less a $1000 administration fee.) There will be no refunds for cancellations made after August 31, 2020.

GG is responsible for filling the tour & the boat. MWE will provide support & help to market the tour but if the tour does not fill, no refunds will be issued by MWE.

GG must attract 14 confirmed participants by June 25, 2018, if the tour is to proceed. If these numbers are not achieved, GG will cancel the tour & refund all deposits received.

Hotels are subject to change but a similar standard will be arranged.

Prices are subject to change if local costs are subsequently affected by government taxes, exchange rate difference, increase in fuel prices and/or any other influence beyond our control.

INCLUSIONS:

Transfers to/from Tromsø airport/hotel & transfers to/from MS Stromstad/hotel.

Accommodation on twin share basis in hotel indicated (or one of a similar standard)

Accommodation on-board MS Stromstad as described.

Meals as specified in the itinerary (B= Breakfast; L=Lunch; D=Dinner)

Transportation, activities & entrance fees as per itinerary

Professional services of local guides, boat crew & two Australian tour escorts

EXCLUSIONS

International/domestic/regional airfares & taxes

Personal expenditure such as drinks, optional meals or activities, laundry service & souvenirs

Meals & services not mentioned.

Travel insurance (please note this is compulsory).

Tips (refer to information in “Notes” re Tip Kitty).

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NORTHERN LIGHTS & ORCA TOUR BOOKING & DEPOSIT FORM

Each participant to complete a separate form please!

Name (as shown in passport) : ………………………………………………………….. Nationality: ...............................................

Address: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Phone: ……………………………………….............. Email: ............................................................................................ .......

Birthdate/Birthplace: ………………………………………………………….Special dietary needs: ...............................................

Passport Number: …………………………….. Date of Issue: ………………………… Expiry: ……………………………...

* I would like a DOUBLE (2 berth) cabin at the additional cost of AUD$750 per cabin (please add to deposit) ........................

Please note that the price of this tour is quoted in Australian Dollars. A non-refundable deposit of AUD$1500 per person is required to secure your booking. Cheques to be made payable to GLOBAL GYPSIES PTY LTD. EFT payments to be made to Westpac : BSB 036 051 : Account No. 155007 quoting “LIGHTS”. To pay by credit card (Visa/MasterCard) please complete the following – note that 3% credit card fees apply. We will then provide a receipt & more information.

Type of card: ……………............ Number: ................................................................................... Expiry date: ...................... Name on card: ……………............................................Code on reverse : ……….. Amount: AUD$: ………………….

Terms & Conditions The Northern Lights& Orca Tour is being operated & conducted by Majestic Whale Encounters (MWE) of Sydney, NSW, hereafter called

The Operators, under local laws, conditions & regulations. Global Gypsies Pty Ltd of Western Australia (GG) is assisting with tour

development, marketing & customer inquiries & is providing two Australian Tour Escorts.

Clients to arrange own flights to/from Norway & should arrive in Tromsø by 3:00 p.m. on Day 1, Wednesday, November 11, 2020.

In order to reserve the boat, a non-refundable deposit of AUD$1500 per person will be required by June 25, 2018, followed by a second non-refundable payment of AUD$2500 due on November 30, 2019. Final payment of AUD$5890 will be due on April 30, 2020.

Client cancellations made after April 30, 2020 & before August 31, 2020, will incur a charge of 75% of the total cost of the tour (unless you can find someone else to take your place on the boat in which case we will refund your final payment of $5890. If you are unable to find a replacement & MWE/GG need to find someone to take your place & are successful in doing so, we will refund your final payment

of $5890 less a $1000 administration fee.) There will be no refunds for cancellations made after August 31, 2020.

GG is responsible for filling the tour & the boat. MWE will provide support & help to market the tour but if it does not fill, no refunds will

be issued by MWE.

In addition to the tour fee, the Operators will collect a “Tip Kitty” of AUD$250 per person in/about August 2020 which will be distributed

en-route by the tour escorts as deemed appropriate.

Whilst all care is taken, MWE/GG accept no liability for loss or damage to baggage, sickness or injury or additional expenses caused by

factors beyond their control.

Clients are advised that in some countries there is no free health service & that local vehicle insurance is of limited value. Travel insurance is compulsory & must cover most circumstances of cancellation as well as luggage loss, medical cover & evacuation.

I accept that this tour is of an adventurous nature & involves an element of personal risk & accept responsibility for all risks & agree that neither MWE or GG nor their agents can be held liable for any injury, damage to property or loss of life caused.

It is the client’s responsibility to ensure that he/she is in possession of valid travel documents including passports, visas, health certificates etc. MWE/GG cannot accept any liability for incorrect documentation.

Itinerary is subject to alteration without notice & is intended as a guide only. Alterations may occur due to weather conditions, mechanical defect to vessels or vehicles, political events or other reasons.

Any additional expenses incurred by clients are not MWE/GG’s responsibility.

The operators and/or their agents & employees are unable to guarantee exact arrival & departure times & will not be liable for failure to

make connections with any other services.

In event of breakdown or other unforeseen circumstances, MWE/GG reserve the right to substitute different carriers & personnel.

Properties used may change, however the same or similar standard is guaranteed.

* Accommodation is on a twin-share basis with single beds in hotels & single bunks on the ship (ship cabin configurations will require 4

persons sharing in some instances). Four double cabins are available on a first come/first served basis at a cost of $750 per cabin.

As a solo traveller there is no single supplement charge for your hotel room if you are happy to share with a ‘buddy’.

I agree to comply with the laws & regulations of all the countries visited & to comply with all reasonable instructions of the tour escorts &

local tour guides relating to the safety & organisation of the tour.

This agreement between the client & MWE is made subject to & shall be interpreted & construed in a NSW court of law.

Any legal conflict with GG shall be resolved in the jurisdiction of Western Australia.

Please keep luggage packed in soft/pliable bags with wheels - maximum 25 kg per person.

ALL prices are based on 2020 costs & are subject to change if subsequently affected by increased government taxes, exchange rate differences, increases in jet fuel or car fuel prices and/or any other influence beyond the control of the operators.

I have read and understand the above tour conditions and agree to abide by them. I acknowledge that there are risks associated with this

tour and accept that these risks are my own responsibility.

Signature ..................................................................................…….. .…. Date:..……………………………………..

PLEASE POST OR EMAIL TO: GLOBAL GYPSIES PTY LTD, P.O. Box 123, Scarborough, WA, 6922.

Ph: 08 9341 6727 email: admin@globalgypsies.com.au web: www.globalgypsies.com.au